Iran’s Commander-in-Chief of the Army, Major General Amir Hatami, has issued a stern warning to the US and Israel, saying Iran will not tolerate threats to its sovereignty and will respond decisively to any attack on its territory.
The commander said that the Iranian Armed Forces “will cut off the hand that attacks our country,” signaling that any military action against Iran would be met with immediate retaliation.
His remarks come amid escalated anti-government protests in Iran and after US President Donald Trump shared a tweet on 2nd January 2025 in support of the protests.
“If Iran shots and violently kills peaceful protesters, which is their custom, the United States of America will come to their rescue. We are locked and loaded and ready to go. Thank you for your attention to this matter,” read the tweet.
On Sunday, 4th January 2025, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu expressed his support ongoing protests across Iran against the Islamic Republic
“We stand in solidarity with the struggle of the Iranian people and with their aspirations for freedom, liberty, and justice,” said Netanyahu.
Also Read: Iran Protests Trump’s ‘Locked and Loaded’ Threat in Letter to UN Security Council
Iran Protests Described as Normal
According to Major Hatami, protests in Iran are normal and ordinary, but the transformation of protests into riots in a short time is suspicious
He said the speed at which some demonstrations turn into riots suggests that they are influenced by external actors.
“Protests in Iran are normal and ordinary, but the transformation of protests into riots in a short time is suspicious.”
Iranian authorities have repeatedly blamed foreign governments and intelligence agencies for encouraging unrest, especially during periods of political or economic pressure.
Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi Appeals to Iran’s Security Forces Amid Renewed Protests
Iran’s Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, on 7th January 2026, issued a direct message to the country’s armed and security forces, urging them to stand with the people during what he described as a historic moment for the nation.
Also Read: Iran on the Edge as Protests Turn Deadly
Pahlavi reminded soldiers and officers that they wear uniforms to defend the Iranian people, not to protect an oppressive system.
“You, who have put on military uniforms to defend the people of Iran, are in the midst of a historic election. In the days when the brave and united people of Iran are building and writing history, my question to you is, in which corner of history will you stand? By the side of the criminals or by the side of the people? It is no longer a question of whether this corrupt and oppressive regime will fall or not,” said Pahlavi
